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Mike Evans apologizes for being “unprofessional” in wake of suspension

It has been a disappointing year for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thus far in the 2017 NFL season. To make matters worse, the culmination of their frustration was on full display during a 30-10 loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Mike Evans ended up, unfortunately, being an embodiment of that frustration being shown on the field.

The only highlight of the day came after Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans blindsided Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore after a brief confrontation with quarterback Jameis Winston. Evans has since apologized for the incident in a statement released by Tampa Bay:

“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during Sunday’s game,” the statement read. “I saw my quarterback getting shoved and I let my emotions get the better of me. My response was not appropriate and not a true indication of who I am as a player and a person. I take pride in playing the game the right way, and I realize it was unprofessional and hurt my team.”

It was another underwhelming outing in an otherwise frustrating season for Mike Evans, as he finished the day with just one catch for 13 yards. Surprisingly, the former All-Pro was not ejected immediately from the game, however, he will serve a one-game suspension in Week 10.

To make matters worse, Winston will also be shut down for the time being while his shoulder heals. It goes without saying that the Bucs will be left vastly undermanned in what should have been winnable back-to-back games in Weeks 10 and 11.